Master of Arts in Psychology
Master of Arts in Psychology: Forensic Counseling Concentration
The mission of the 60-hour Master's Program in Psychology is to support Kentucky State University’s mission by preparing its diverse student population of traditional and non-traditional students to meet society’s growing need for psychological services in a variety of settings. Students in this program will focus on the intersection between law and the behavioral and social sciences, broadly defined. Students engage in a program of interdisciplinary study based on rigorous coursework, research, and service activities founded on the scientist-practitioner model of education. This program prepares students to pursue licensure as a counselor, doctoral study in psychology, or work in government, mental health services, or other human service agencies, consistent with the Kentucky State University motto: Come In to Learn—Go Out to Serve.
To satisfy the requirements for the M.A. in Interdisciplinary Behavioral Science, students must complete a minimum of 45 semester credit hours. The core requirements PSY 551, Psychology and Law, PSY 552, Law and Social Science, PSY 503, Intermediate Statistics I, PSY 504, Intermediate Statistics II, PSY 505, Intermediate Research Methods I, PSY 506, Intermediate Research Methods II, and PSY 671, Diversity and Law.
Forensic Counseling (Licensure Track - KBEP)
Students enrolled in the MA in Psychology: Forensic Counseling Concentration will develop competencies relevant to the science and practice of mental health counseling, study of the intersection of behavioral and social science and law via joint course offerings that are currently offered through the M.A. in Psychology: Forensic Science Concentration. This program will prepare graduates for employment in individual and family services, residential and outpatient mental health and substance abuse facilities, state, local, and private hospitals, government agencies, and will also prepare graduates to provide forensic psychological services if desired.
The program is aligned with the Standards of Accreditation for Health Service Psychology: Master’s Program of the American Psychological Association (APA).
Program Specifics:
- 60 credit hour program
- Includes 600 Practicum experience in counseling and assessment
- Graduates are eligible for Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA) status in the state of Kentucky after 45-credit hours per the Kentucky Board of Examiners of Psychology (KBEP)
- Graduates will be eligible for Licensed Psychological Practitioner (LPP) per the Kentucky Board of Examiners of Psychology (KBEP) after 2 years of supervision
**Students interested in practicing outside of Kentucky are recommended to check into each state’s licensure board requirements early and often during the program.
For more information about the program and licensure, contact Shambra Mulder, PhD, Licensed Psychologist, Chair/Associate Professor, School of Psychology, Kentucky State University, 231A Hathaway Hall, Frankfort, KY 40601. Phone: (502) 597-5574 and Email: Shambra.Mulder@kysu.edu
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| PSY 501 | Theory & Prac. of Counseling | 3 |
| PSY 503 | Intermediate Statistics | 3 |
| PSY 505 | Intermediate Research Methods | 3 |
| PSY 511 | Human Growth & Development | 3 |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Spring | ||
| PSY 512 | Legal and Ethical Issues | 3 |
| PSY 507 | Assess.& Evaluation Tech. | 3 |
| PSY 510 | Career Counseling | 3 |
| PSY 601 | Child & Adult Psychopathology | 3 |
| PSY 662 | Psychology of Criminal Behav. (Online C term) | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| PSY 502 | Evi.-Base. Couns. Techniques | 3 |
| PSY 508 | Group & Family Counseling | 3 |
| PSY 509 | Cultural Diversity in Counseli | 3 |
| PSY 513 | Practicum in Counseling | 3 |
| PSY 506 | Intermed. Research Methods II (Global B Term) | 3 |
| PSY 664 | Asses. & Treatment of Offend. | 3 |
| Hours | 18 | |
| Spring | ||
| PSY 515 | Practicum in Assessment | 3 |
| PSY 672 | Addiction & Psychopharmacology | 3 |
| PSY 690 | Comprehensive Exam | 3 |
| PSY 551 | Psychology & Law | 3 |
| PSY 681 | Seminar in Psychology & Law | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 60 | |
Master of Arts in Psychology: Forensic Sciences Concentration (Formerly MIBS)
Non-Licensure Option
Students in this program will engage in a program of study based on rigorous coursework, research, and service activities founded on the scientist-practitioner model of education. This program will prepare students to go on to doctoral study in psychology, or to work in industry, government, mental health care, or private practice, consistent with the Kentucky State University motto: Come In to Learn—Go Out to Serve. The program takes a multidisciplinary approach to the area of psychology and law by providing students with background in theoretical perspectives from psychology, sociology, and criminology, basic and applied research methods, and statistical techniques. Students will develop competencies relevant to the science and practice of psychology, and to the study of the intersection of behavioral and social science and law.
- The 45 credit-hour program.
- Psychology and Law Concentration.
- Thesis.
WHAT CAN I DO WITH A MASTER'S DEGREE IN Forensic Psychology?
Psychologists are increasingly called upon to perform various evaluations and functions for the government, the courts, the criminal justice system, and the prison system. Some of the many general and specific career paths that our graduates may choose to pursue include:
- Teaching or research positions in academia
- Administrative positions in local, state, and federal agencies
- Positions within corrections and probation departments
- Positions as a research assistant with various agencies
- Positions at the local, state, and federal level in behavioral or social sciences
- Clinical or research positions with human service agencies, mental health agencies, social agencies, and forensic agencies
- Juvenile group homes
- Domestic violence agencies
- Immigrant and naturalization services
- City police divisions
- Positions such as Psychology Assistant, Court Administrator, Crime Analyst
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
- US Secret Service (USSS)
- US Marshal Services
- National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC)
- Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI)
- US Armed Forces
- Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)
- Postal Service (USPS)
- US Department of Agriculture
- US Border Patrol Services
- US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
- Victim Services organizations
- Nursing homes
- Hospice centers
- Head Start programs
- Adoption agencies
- Drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers
- Probation and parole offices
- Courts
- Foster care organizations
- Mental health organizations
- Employee assistance programs
The program takes a multidisciplinary approach to the area of behavioral and social science and law by providing students with background in theoretical perspectives from psychology, sociology, and criminology, basic and applied research methods, and statistical techniques. Students develop competencies relevant to the science and practice of these various fields, and to the study of the intersection of behavioral and social science and law, forensics, intelligence, and security broadly defined. This program is relevant to students with backgrounds in psychology, sociology, criminal justice, social work, history, or public administration.
Full-time students carry a minimal load of 9 semester credit hours of graduate-level coursework per semester. Typical students carry a load of 12-15 semester credit hours of graduate-level coursework per semester. Part-time students who are employed full-time are advised to carry no more than 6 semester credit hours of graduate-level coursework in any semester.
Students in both graduate programs may be eligible for scholarship money, travel awards, and other benefits such as research support, opportunities to present at conferences, and access to hiring managers from local, state, and national intelligence and security organizations.
Admission
For information about admission requirements and to apply for admission to the Kentucky State University MA in Psychology: Forensic Science Concentration and Forensic Counseling Concentration, please visit the graduate studies web site at: https://www.kysu.edu/academics/grad-studies/index.php
Your application includes the following components:
- A properly completed application submitted via the Graduate Studies email, found on the link below:
graduate.studies@kysu.edu. - A letter of application with a statement of educational goals and career objectives in the form of a thoughtful, well-written essay of approximately 1,500 words. Your essay should describe your motivation for earning a degree from the program and discuss relevant experiences that have contributed to this goal. The essay should address your future goals and why you believe that the program will help you to achieve your desired future. The essay will be evaluated for content and writing mechanics such as grammar, spelling, punctuation, and clarity, and rated as satisfactory or unsatisfactory by the program faculty.
- A curriculum vitae or resume of qualifications, including your extracurricular activities, participation in professional development activities related to the field, relevant work experience, and any knowledge, skills, or abilities that you believe would make you a good fit for the program.
- Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts. Copies of all official transcripts must be submitted from the applicant’s undergraduate and graduate institutions directly to graduate.studies@kysu.edu.
- An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above. Exceptions to this requirement may be made on a case-by-case basis, but preference for admission to the MA in Psychology programs will be given to applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Three letters of recommendation from professors or employers addressing your academic preparation for graduate study, which your recommenders will submit directly to the graduate.studies@kysu.edu.
After review of the completed application, applicants who meet the entry requirements may be granted regular admission status by the Graduate Studies department, based on graduate admission requirements. The admission decision will then be sent to the program coordinator for review and contact purposes.
Academic Probation and Dismissal
Academic Probation. Per Kentucky State University policy, a student whose cumulative graduate GPA falls below 3.0 will be placed on academic probation. Students on probation may subsequently enroll in up to 9 semester credit hours of graduate-level coursework, during which the student must bring his/her overall GPA up to at least 3.0. Those who reach the 3.0 level will be allowed to continue in the program and to return to good academic standing. Students who fail to reach a GPA of 3.0 will be placed on academic suspension for 12 months. After 12 months the student may then appeal in writing for readmission to the program. If readmission is granted, the student will be placed on up to 9 credit hours of probation. If the student does not reach an overall GPA of 3.0 during the subsequent 9 credit hours, then the student will be permanently dismissed from the program without appeal.
Dismissal for Cause. Students may be dismissed from the program at any time for cause. Causes for dismissal include, but are not limited to:
- Any form of academic dishonesty (e.g., plagiarism, cheating on exams, submitting pre-written papers authored by somebody other than the student, or any other form of misrepresenting the authorship of work submitted in fulfillment of program requirements).
- Any form of harassment, bullying, threatening, physical aggression, or other forms of abusive behavior against fellow students, staff, or faculty (e.g., use of inappropriate language, either verbally or via electronic communications, unsubstantiated accusations of inappropriate conduct).
- Any form of criminal activity or behavior prohibited by Kentucky statute or Kentucky State University policy.
- Violations of policy involving providing false information, forgery, alteration, or misuse of Kentucky State University documents, records, or identification instruments.
- Violations of any other policy stated in the Kentucky State University Student Handbook.
Master of Arts in Psychology: Forensic Sciences Concentration (45 hours) and Forensic Counseling Concentration (60 hours)
The School of Psychology has two graduate programs. Both programs are research-oriented; however, only those in the Forensic Sciences Concentration (non-licensure option) must complete a thesis as described below:
Thesis
The table below presents a curriculum plan for the thesis, outlining the sequence of courses. The curriculum plan assumes a 4-6 semester completion schedule for full-time students and a completion schedule of 6-8 semesters for part-time students.
Full-time students opting for the thesis plan should complete their Master’s degree program requirements within the first four semesters (i.e., not more than two years). To maintain satisfactory academic progress, students should adhere to the following schedule:
- Complete at least 12 credits of coursework by the end of the second semester in the program and sign up for the remaining 18 credit hours (including 6 hours of thesis credit) during the third and fourth semesters in the program;
- Form a thesis committee by the beginning of the third semester in the program and complete and obtain approval of the thesis proposal by the end of the third semester in the program;
- Write the thesis during the fourth semester, schedule an oral exam over the thesis, and obtain its approval within the time frame designated by the student's thesis advisor.
Part-time students should complete these requirements within six semesters to maintain satisfactory academic progress.
All students must maintain satisfactory academic progress to be eligible for any available funding.
Comprehensive Examination Requirements
Both graduate programs have a comprehensive examination course that covers the core content and licensure exam content, and consists of several components:
- Theory
- Research Methods
- Statistics
- Ethics
All components will encompass a wide range of topics and issues. Students must successfully complete all components to earn a passing final grade on the comprehensive exam. Exams will be graded accordingly as High Pass, Pass, or Fail. Students who fail components may be granted a re-take of those components. Students who do not successfully complete all components with a passing grade on the second try will be required to retake the entire exam.
All exams will be administered by the comprehensive course instructor. Faculty teaching specific content areas will evaluate students' submissions in that area. The Program Coordinator and faculty members together will reach a decision about the final grade for each section.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PSY 501 | Theory & Prac. of Counseling | 3 |
| PSY 502 | Evi.-Base. Couns. Techniques | 3 |
| PSY 503 | Intermediate Statistics | 3 |
| PSY 504 | Intermediate Statistics II | 3 |
| PSY 505 | Intermediate Research Methods | 3 |
| PSY 506 | Intermed. Research Methods II | 3 |
| PSY 507 | Assess.& Evaluation Tech. | 3 |
| PSY 508 | Group & Family Counseling | 3 |
| PSY 509 | Cultural Diversity in Counseli | 3 |
| PSY 510 | Career Counseling | 3 |
| PSY 511 | Human Growth & Development | 3 |
| PSY 512 | Legal and Ethical Issues | 3 |
| PSY 513 | Practicum in Counseling | 3 |
| PSY 515 | Practicum in Assessment | 3 |
| PSY 551 | Psychology & Law | 3 |
| PSY 552 | Law & Social Science | 3 |
| PSY 601 | Child & Adult Psychopathology | 3 |
| PSY 603 | Crisis Intervention | 3 |
| PSY 606 | Substance Abuse Counseling | 3 |
| PSY 608 | Treatment Planning | 3 |
| PSY 661 | Theories of Offending & Correc | 3 |
| PSY 662 | Psychology of Criminal Behav. | 3 |
| PSY 663 | Aggression & Violence | 3 |
| PSY 664 | Asses. & Treatment of Offend. | 3 |
| PSY 671 | Diversity & Law | 3 |
| PSY 672 | Addiction & Psychopharmacology | 3 |
| PSY 673 | Principles of Victimology | 3 |
| PSY 681 | Seminar in Psychology & Law | 3 |
| PSY 690 | Comprehensive Exam | 3 |
| PSY 699 | Thesis | 3-12 |
| BSS 565 | Counterintell. & Counterterror | 3 |
| BSS 566 | Interm. Cyb.-Sec & Cyb-Pol. | 3 |
| BSS 569 | Intermed. Pers & Radic. | 3 |